Cal Fire suspends burn permits

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced this week that all residential and open outdoor burning permits will be suspended in Mendocino County, as well as 31 million acres across the state, beginning Monday, June 23.

According to Cal Fire, "only in instances where it can be shown that the continuation of burning is essential for reasons of public health, safety or welfare can a 'Restricted temporary Burning Permit' be issued, and that may include training burns conducted by fire agencies.

The state agency's ban comes week after Albion-Little River Fire Protection District issued its on June 16, "after two permitted burns led to vegetation fires that could have cost lives and untold property damage."

"If the wind had been up just a little bit, this could have been a catastrophe," said Chief Ted Williams of one of the recent fires.

The fire district's board then met and issued a district-wide ban that took effect Monday, June 16.

According to Cal Fire, it has already responded to 2,118 fires this year, a nearly 70 percent increase in the average number of fires.

The suspension of burn permits will be in effect until it is canceled.